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Des | The top 4 is a goal

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Head Coach Des Hasler spoke with the media on Thursday morning ahead of the Bulldogs clash with the Dragons.

The Bulldogs head into the fixture at ANZ Stadium off the back of a 36-nil loss to the Cowboys and the Dragons will be looking to get back into the winners circle after going down to the Wests Tigers last weekend and for Bulldogs Coach Des Hasler, he’s expecting both sides be very motivated come from Friday night.

“Both sides are coming off losses and both sides will be keen to win,” Hasler said.

“The two sides motivation is quite apparent and for different reasons.”

After failing to capitalise on chance in Round 20 to cement a top four spot, Hasler stills believes, finishing in the top four is a goal of the Bulldogs.

“We have a chance of making the top four. It’s very tight and we need to win games.

“History would tell you that it’s fairly important to finish in the top four.

“Anytime you have a second chance is always good, but it’s a goal and something to work for.”

The Dragons have been put under the microscope in recent weeks for their performances and in particular their halves pairing of Marshall and Widdop and while Hasler was willing to buy into the form of the oppositions six and seven, he was full of praise for two playmakers.

“I think they’re going really well.

“I’m pretty pleased with how both halves have been playing.

“They’re giving us good direction and at the same time they’re reverting to their natural game as well.”

Despite missing the game last weekend, Hasler also confirmed Tony Williams would not be a late inclusion into the Bulldogs 17 on Friday night.

“He is still recovering from a hamstring injury and he won’t be back this week.”